Carson named 2017 ‘Playful City USA’

Hopscotch, sidewalks, structured recess programs, mandated neighborhood play spaces, citywide play days and mobile recreation vehicles are ways in which the City is appealing to residents, attracting, and retaining residents. Photo: City of Carson

Carson one of 258 cities recognized for safe, engaging play spaces

CARSON – National non-profit KaBOOM! is honoring the City of Carson with a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the fifth time. Playful City USA honors cities and towns across the country for putting the needs of families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills.
These communities are transforming ordinary places into playful spaces and using play as a solution to the challenges facing their residents.
The 2017 Playful City USA recognition includes 258 communities from Richmond, Va. to Carson, Calif. These cities make it easy for kids to play in their respective city, featuring safe and engaging play spaces that serve more than 4 million kids around the U.S. Carson residents enjoy seventeen City parks.
“It is an honor to once again have the City of Carson named as a 2015 Playful City USA recipient,” said Mayor Albert Robles. “In Carson, we value the significance of play spaces that are well-maintained, inviting, and accessible to our residents and visitors. We strive to provide play opportunities for children and adults throughout the Carson community, and we understand its importance.
“For this reason, [we offer] a wide variety of recreational and leisure programs throughout the year to increase physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle,” Robles added.
Hopscotch, sidewalks, structured recess programs, mandated neighborhood play spaces, citywide play days and mobile recreation vehicles are ways in which the City is appealing to residents, attracting, and retaining residents.
Carson recently received a $1.25 million grant to build a playground for children with all abilities. The playground equipment will include swing and ground level play structures, making it the first playground built in Carson accessible to children of all abilities.
“We are thrilled to recognize the City of Carson for putting kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal. “The well-being of our communities starts with the well-being of our kids, and play is critical for them to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all kids get the childhood they deserve filled with play.”To see the full list of Playful City USA communities and to learn more about making “play” the easy choice for kids, visit kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.